Mt. Obabis (Imoc)

Located in San Pablo City, Mt. Obabis also known as Imoc Hills is a part of the Laguna volcanic field which has an elevation of 1320 ft. above sea level. A short hike of 30 minutes trek from the jump off point leads to an ascent of more than 600 ft. of almost a 45 degree elevation that passes through Coconut trees, Banana and Pineapple plantation. 

Two communication towers (Telfast & Globe Telecom) are being housed on the top of the summit and is off limits to unauthorized person, just tell the guards you'll just take quick pictures. A 360 degree view is not possible because of the structured towers and the summit is also a small plateau. However, one can still take pictures in key strategic location where a picturesque view of the surrounding mountains are just waiting to unfold. It is like joining the pieces of jigsaw puzzle that when put together offers a breath taking view of Mt. Kalisungan, Mt. Makiling, Malipunyo Range, Banahaw Trilogy, Mt. Sembrano, Talim Island and the Laguna Bay which can be seen on a clear blue sky.

How to Get There:

1. Ride a jeepney bound for San Pablo City.

2. Tell the driver to drop you off infront of JMR Vulcanizing located in Brgy. San Mateo.

3. It is a private property so kindly ask for permission before entering the premises of the summit 

Matabungkay Beach

Matabungkay Beach is located in the town of Lian, Batangas. According to the locals it was “rediscovered” in the early 1950s by Germans who were looking for a go-to paradise within proximity to the bustling Manila. Since then, Matabungkay transformed into a tourist destination from a simple fishing village. The shore is enveloped in a cove and is strewn with ashen sand and off-white fine grain sand that sparkles a white glow when struck by sunlight. It is bordered landward by a long, cramped lane of resorts and stores. 

The waters of Matabungkay is clear, vivid and calm with no strong splurges of waves. It does not also have a sudden deep section making it safe for swimming even for children. One interesting feature of the beach are the traditional bamboo floating rafts or balsas (floating cottages) that can be rented for a day. Also available for rent are the Banana Boat, Jet Ski, Pedal Boat and Speed Boat to complete a total beach experience.

 

 

How to Get There:

1.) You can ride a bus bound for Nasugbu, then alight at Lian Town Proper.

2.) Once in Lian, you can then ride jeepneys bound for Matabungkay Beach.

Arabela's Cakehaus & Restaurant

Located in Liliw also known as the “Tsinelas Capital” of the Philipines,  Arabela is one of the most sought after resto in the said town as recommended by Trip Advisor. The place is clean and cozy, yet the ceiling is quite low (so better watch out for your head haha.), I guess it’s designed for midgets.

The owners started the restaurant by selling cakes and brownies and later expanded into a resto. Today they are known for Cakes, Pastries, Coffee, Pasta, Pizza and their Salad which is inspired by Italianis.

I love their Choco Chip Cheesecake which is at par with the best tasting chocolate cake that I've tasted, the delectable creamy rich taste of chocolate mixed with chips that made me go for another serving. And another classic favorite is their Blueberry Cheesecake which has a perfect blend of sweetness and blueberry flavor; both cakes has milk and chocolate decorated at it's base giving it a unique dessert experience. 

Rating:

7 out of 10

Pagoda Hill of La Union

Situated in the city of San Fernando, the capital of La Union. Pagoda Hill is comprised of Chinese-themed architecture atop a hill which offers a commanding view of San Fernando City. The hill can be reached by a 15 minutes walk and short hike from the city proper and has an approximate elevation of 300 ft. It is also known as the Filipino-Chinese Friendship park because it commemorates the bond of friendship and long history between Filipino and Chinese people.  

How to get there:
1. Once in San Fernando you can ask the locals for directions

Ma Cho Temple in La Union

I visited San Fernando, La Union and was fascinated by this wonderful Chinese architecture known as "Ma Cho Temple", which is actually the biggest Taoist temple outside China. The wordings are not mine, taken from the historal artifact of the temple.

Nestled atop a hill overlooking the beautiful San Fernando bay of the town of San Fernando, La Union, the MA-CHO Temple was constructed in honor of Ma-cho hailed from the scenic island of Moichow, province of Fukien in Southeastern China. In the Philippines among christians Ma-Cho is known as the virgin of Caysasay. The image of the Virgin of Caysasay first appeared in Taal, Batangas in 1603.

It was constructed on September 11, 1975 through the initiative of then Tourism Minister Jose D. Aspiras and cooperation of the Chinese community, this majestic Taoist Temple is located on a hill 70 feet above sea level at Barangay II, San Fernando City, facing the China Sea. Here, people form all walks of life come and pray for change of luck from Ma Cho, a Chinese deity, whose eight inch wooden image surprisingly has a counterpart in the Roman Catholic faith known as the “Virgin of Caysasay” who is enshrined at the Basilica of Saint Martin in Taal, Batangas.

According to Chinese history, Ma Cho was born in 960 AD during the sung Dynasty. According to legend, she did not cry at all during her first month of infancy, thus, she was first named “Mo”, meaning keeping silent. Intelligent, gifted with a photographic memory and blessed with healing powers, she became a monk at the age of 10. Growing up in the fishing village of Meizhou in the province of Fu Jian, she actively participated in rescue operations for fishermen during typhoons. It is also believed that she can accurately predict the weather in upcoming days in the sea, earning for herself the titles “Dragon Girl”, “Goddess of the Sea” and “Queen of Heaven”. Dying at the young age of 27, it is believed by Chinese sailors and fishermen that her spirit, dressed in red, continues to save the lives of those who are in distress in the high seas.

Devotees offer incense, food and money at the shrine. Every other week, a “Buyong” session is held where temple elders read or interpret Ma Cho’s message to the faithful. 

How To Get There:

Once in San Fernando, La Union ask the locals for the direction of Ma Cho Temple.

Halo Halo de Iloko

Halo Halo de Iloko is one of the must-visit resto in San Fernando, La Union. The resto offers Filipino dishes featuring the Ilocano taste as a part of owner’s advocacy.   

The dining area is an art haven that showcases wood works, photos, colorful paintings, artifacts, traditional items, and other ingenious materials which reflects the owner's love for travel, food, photography and arts. It was featured in several television shows which includes: Kris TV, Unang Hirit etc. and magazines such as: Living Asia, In Flight Magazine, Food to name a few.

The best sellers are:  Okoy Tikyoso, Sinampalukang Buknok, Surfer’s Mixed Sea Food in Sweet & Spicy, Pinakbet with Bagnet and of course the star of their restaurant the "Buko Halo Halo". The nice presentation equates with their quality ingredients and taste. 

Rating:

7 out 10

How To Get There:

1.) From San Fernando, La Union ask the locals about the location of Halo Halo de Iloko. Their resto is located in Zandueta St.

La Meya River

La Meya is a river with slabs of flat rocks which is the precursor to Hulugan Fall's grand cascade and has a vertical drop of 240 ft off the cliff. It is composed of a 30 minutes trek through a well established yet forested trail in the heart of Mt. Banahaw which starts from the jump off point (Brgy. Hall).

Precaution and vigilance must be observed at all times especially during rainy season; flash floods do occur and will definitely sweep anyone into the falls most especially that rocks are also slippery. The Pinoy Solo Hiker does not encourage anyone taking selfies near the cliff (safety should always be exercised).

How To Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound to Sta.Cruz, Laguna (tell the conductor to drop you off in Lucban jeep terminal located in Pagsawitan)

2. Ride a jeepney bound for Lucban, tell the driver to drop you off in Brgy. San Salvador.